Theme

ART DECO, RESOLUTELY MODERN?

Art Deco is an artistic movement that developed mainly during the interwar period. This movement promoted a new aesthetic that is elegant, luxurious, and decidedly modern. It is expressed through geometric shapes and patterns, lustrous materials, contrasting colours with gold or silver accents, and a taste for precious materials or their imitations. 

Its sources of inspiration are diverse, ranging from Antiquity to exoticism and even to symbols of contemporary life (motorcars, skyscrapers). 

The term “Art Deco” first appeared in a 1966 Times article, referring to the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts held in Paris in 1925—although that exhibition was not specifically a manifesto of the movement. This style is primarily decorative and finds its fullest expression in interior design.

Art Deco aimed to capture the spirit of the times: In the aftermath of World War I, society was infused with a sense of renewal. The development
of new industrial materials made it possible to commercialise the style.
Thanks to the 1924 co-ownership law, apartment living became the new way of life. The (r)evolution of social norms led to the development of sports facilities (stadiums, solariums, sports clubs) and the rising popularity of entertainment venues (jazz clubs, cinemas). The era was also marked by the emancipation of women, which led to the rise of new, typically female professions (secretary, typist, telephone operator) and the commercialization of their skills (hair salons, fashion houses). For the first time, fashion began to focus on the active woman.

Paula DUMONT, 
urban.brussels

A little history

The Heritage Days were established in France in 1984, when the ‘Open Days’ (Journées Portes Ouvertes) were organised for the first time. It was immediately a great success and the idea was quickly adopted by other countries in Europe. Belgium was the fifth country to join, launching its Heritage Days in 1989. With the Netherlands, Sweden and Malta, our country is one of the pioneers of this great movement which has now been organised in no less than 50 European countries. Today, the Heritage Days have become the biggest cultural event in our country. 

While the three regions each run Heritage Days differently, the core idea is always the same: to give the widest possible audience access to our heritage treasures, many of which open especially for the event. 

Year after year, the great attendance proves the event’s popularity. The Heritage Days help raise awareness of heritage preservation, giving visitors the chance to explore not only prestigious monuments but also natural and archaeological sites. 

In other regions

The weekend preceding the Heritage Days in the Brussels Capital Region, Flanders and Wallonia invite you to explore their heritage.

In Europe

The Heritage Days have been organised in Belgium since 1989.

Attracting thousands of visitors every year, these days are now organised in the 49 states that have signed the European Cultural Convention, under the name European Heritage Days.

During September weekends, European Heritage Days welcome the public to sites and monuments across Europe, many of which are usually closed to the public. By enabling European citizens to explore and learn about their shared cultural heritage, the initiative encourages them to take an active role in its preservation and development for present and future generations.

Information on European Heritage Days in other countries is available at the website www.europeanheritagedays.com.